Disney+ 2024 Review and Price Comparison

Disney Plus Review
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Written by Michael Vane

Updated - December 14th, 2022

Reviewed by Joshua Allengame / Professional Gadget Reviewer

Launching in 2019, Disney+ arrived with an extensive library of classics and the promise of new content to compete with Netflix and Apple TV+.

While the rollout of new content is slow, there's a growing selection of must-watch content from big names, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Plus, the acquisition of 20th Century Fox means Disney can now expand to more adult-oriented content through pre-existing franchises.

But there are so many streaming services, yet so little time to binge. Before you fork out for another subscription, look below at the monthly price and best content to determine if Disney Plus is suitable for you. Here's what you need to know about Disney+:

Disney+ 2022 Review and Price Comparison

Price of Disney+

In Australia, the Disney Plus monthly cost is $11.99. However, that price is discounted if prepaying for an entire year. That’s a total cost of $119.99 for 12 months which saves you $24 over the year.

Included in your subscription is the ever-growing library of content from big studios, including Disney, Marvel, National Geographic and Star Wars with mature Fox Studios and Hulu content in the Star content hub.

Each subscription can stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously and create 7 user profiles. Content can also be downloaded to watch offline on 10 different devices. Content is in HD format and improves to 4K where available.

Does Disney Plus Have a Free Trial?

Sadly, there’s no free Disney Plus trial. Previously, there was a 7 day trial as an introductory offer when the streaming service first launched. This has since been removed. Anyone looking for freebies will need to be patient and see if any third-party brands are offering free subscriptions along with their products. Otherwise, the Disney Plus monthly price is $11.99.

How do I get Disney Plus on My TV?

The good news is that Disney Plus is supported by almost every device. Unlike Apple TV+, you can watch Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and more from wherever you currently stream content.
Disney+ supported devices include:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • Apple TV 4K
  • Google Chromecast
  • Android TV
  • Android smartphones
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Roku 4K
  • PlayStation 4 / 5
  • Xbox consoles
  • LG Smart TV
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Sony Smart TV
  • And more

The app is free to download and may come pre-installed on select devices. You can also stream from most web browsers, making your subscription universally available.

Disney Plus Premier Access

In response to the global pandemic, Disney gave users access to its latest films at home on the same day they release in cinemas.

For AU $34.99 per film, you could access new releases to watch as many times as you desired. So long as you kept the active Disney+ subscription.

Previous Premier Acess films included the live-action Mulan, Cruella, Marvel’s Black Widow and Jungle Cruise. The films remained in Premier Access for a few months before arriving in the streaming library for all Disney+ subscribers.

However, the future of Premier Access is unclear. Viewers didn’t appear interested in the initiative, and films seemingly lost money. There hasn’t been new Premier Access content in months, and with cinemas reopening, we may have seen the end of Disney films hitting VOD on day one.

Is Disney+ Worth It?

Disney Plus is ideal for three specific demographics: Star Wars fans, Marvel fans and younger audiences. The majority of the streaming library comprises Pixar films and the above big franchises which will appeal to many, but not all users.

However, the acquisition of Fox Studios properties means Disney owns a vast library of adult-orientated content, including The Simpsons, Alien, Predator, James Cameron’s Avatar, and so much more. Most of this content falls under the Star hub on the streaming service, meaning there’s a huge range of classics for all to enjoy, and we can expect Disney to expand on these in the future.

The content on offer doesn’t reach the scope of Netflix, but Disney Plus is home to most of the current leading franchises, so fans of pop culture will find a lot to like on Disney+.

Disney+ has a diverse library of original content and classics. From the films that made the studio a household name to limited series set within its biggest franchises. Here are ten of the best shows and movies available for streaming on Disney+.

The Best Disney+ Shows and Films

Loki

Tom Hiddleston returns as the trickster god for an original series set after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Loki is forced to work with the TVA, a group with dark secrets whose mission is to protect the timeline from threats. But things take a turn when their biggest threat is another Loki.

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson
Release date: 2021 – ongoing

The Mandalorian

The first live-action Star Wars series is also the best show on Disney+. It follows the journey of a bounty hunter and his Yoda-like companion as they fight through the remnants of the Empire while searching for a new purpose in the galaxy.

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris
Release date: 2019 – ongoing

The Simpsons

Everyone’s favourite four-fingered family finds a new permanent home on Disney Plus. Over 30 seasons and more than 700 episodes are available for streaming, along with The Simpsons Movie and several original short stories. Sure, not all episodes are created equal. But whether you’re looking to revisit the classics or discover something new, countless hours can and should be spent with this iconic family and the vast cast of characters.

Starring: Daniel Castellaneta, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright
Number of seasons: 32+

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Every film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is included in a Disney+ subscription. We’re talking the classics like Iron Man and Thor through to the recent releases like Eternals and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, to name a few.

The streaming service also expands the MCU with spin-off series for popular characters in WandaVision, Hawkeye and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Marvel content is one of the biggest Disney+ draw cards.

Many people are asking will Black Widow be on Disney Plus? Yes, it’s there right now. But, unfortunately, those wondering ‘is Spider-Man Homecoming on Disney Plus?’ will be disappointed, as this film and its sequels are the expectation.

Becoming Cousteau

A visually thrilling documentary and tribute to Jacques Cousteau. Take a closer look at the life, achievements and tragedies surrounding the famous marine explorer through newly restored archival footage.

Starring: Jacques Cousteau, Vincent Cassel
Release date: 2021

Hamilton

The blockbuster Broadway show comes to streaming services with a live performance recording. It follows Alexander Hamilton, an orphan arriving in New York to work for George Washington. After the American Revolution, he becomes the first Secretary of the Treasury of the US.

Starring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs
Release date; 2020

The Beatles: Get Back

Acclaimed director Peter Jackson is behind this docuseries covering the making of The Beatles’ 1970 album Let It Be. Drawing largely from unseen footage and recordings, the series is an immersive look into the creative process of the iconic band and a must-see for die-hard fans.

Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Release date: 2021

Togo

Based on a true story, Togo is the sled dog considered too small and weak to lead to leader a muster. Yet, in 1925, he overcame adversity to run 170 miles and deliver serum in response to the pandemic.

Starring: Willem Dafoe
Release date: 2019

Toy Story 1 – 4

The films that made Pixar a household name can be found on Disney+. Toy Story follows a diverse group of toys searching for their place in the world, whether keeping their child owner happy or finding a new home once he’s grown up and moved on.

Starring: Tom hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts

Solar Opposites

From the creator of Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites is a dark comedy that follows a team/family of aliens who take a mission to Earth. Residing in North America, Terry, Korvo, Yumyulack and the gang cause trouble at every turn and spawn a compelling story for their victims. Only adult audiences should apply.

Starring: Justin Roiland, Thomas Middleditch
Release date: 2020 – ongoing

Disney Plus Pros and Cons

Disney+ Pros

  • A diverse catalogue of classic and original content that should please all members of the family.
  • Plenty of original Star Wars and Marvel content arriving in 2022 and beyond.
  • 4K playback, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are all supported within the one price tier.

Disney+ Cons

  • Some users report Disney Plus Chromecast issues and sound issues with the app.
  • It can be weeks or months before new content arrives, and then it’s typically one episode per week.
  • Due to licensing issues, none of the Tom Holland Spider-Man films are available for streaming.\

Disney Plus Sound Issues

Some users are experiencing sound issues with the Disney+ app. There are several reasons why this could occur, and most are easy to fix. Others are reporting Disney plus Chromecast Issues. Either way, these steps should rectify the problems. Working from top to bottom, consider trying the following:

  • Check that your internet connection is working correctly and your TV or audio devices are configured correctly. Consult the devices’ instructions or troubleshoot as required.
  • Check for a firmware update on your hardware. For example, updating to the latest version of the operating system could be a simple fix to your problems.
  • Clear the app cache by visiting Settings on your device, navigating to the Disney Plus app and selecting clear or delete the cache.
  • Delete the Disney+ app, then download and reinstall it. This approach is reported to have fixed the issue for many users.
  • Perform a hard reset or factory reset on the device running the Disney Plus app. Note: this will likely delete all content and should only be considered a last resort.
  • If the above steps fail to fix the issue, your audio and video hardware may be too old and not suited to support the Disney Plus app.

How to Cancel Disney Plus

If it’s still months until the next Star Wars series arrives, save yourself some money and cancel that Disney+ subscription. Then, simply sign up again later on. Here’s how to make it happen:

  1. Log in to your Disney+ account on a smartphone or web browser.
  2. Select your Profile
  3. Select the Account section
  4. Then Select Cancel Subscription

It’s that easy! You will still have access to streaming content until the end of your current billing cycle but will no longer be automatically charged for the subscription.

Michael Vane
Michael Vane

Michael Vane has been a journalist for Gadget User since 2022, specializing in gaming and technology reporting. With a bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media Studies he knows how important it is for people to make informed purchasing decisions. His work has been featured in publications such as Wine Selectors, Man of Many, Pilot and Power Up, to name a few.